Preparations for the competitive start of 2025 are in full swing. Sunday’s Swabian derby against FC Augsburg sees Ermedin Demirovic come up against his former club, for whom he scored 15 goals last season. “I’m looking forward to it,” said the VfB striker after Tuesday’s training session in Bad Cannstatt. “It could be a good omen that I’m starting the new year with my new club against my old one.” In total, Demirovic registered 23 goals and 16 assists in 66 games for FCA. “The move there made me what I am today,” said the Hamburg-born Bosnia and Herzegovina international. “Thanks to my time at Augsburg, I now get to play in the Champions League with VfB, among other things. It’s a special match for me.”
Make amends
The short winter break came at the right time, according to Demirovic: “It’s very good that we’re getting straight back into it. After the last home game against St. Pauli, it’s important that we quickly get a good feeling for 2025.” The 26-year-old already saw some “good things” in the friendly against Ajax, but also “things we can improve. It’s given us a good feeling to go into the second half of the season with anticipation and confidence,” he continued.
Strong hosts
Friendships with former Augsburg team-mates will be put to one side from 17:30 on Sunday. “We’re professionals for 90 minutes – before and after that we’re friends,” emphasised Demirovic, who is also aware of Augsburg’s strength at home. “I want to win with VfB. We need to be at our best if we’re to hold our own in Augsburg.”